If you are a golf lover who wants to experience a royal and historic golf course in Jaipur, then you might want to visit the Rambagh golf course, situated in the heart of the city. This 18-hole championship course is one of the oldest and most prestigious golf courses in India, which is affiliated to the Indian Golf Union. The Rambagh golf course, also known as the Rambagh Golf Club, was established in 1927 and in 2009 underwent extensive redesign and modifications by Jeev Milkha Singh, India’s most successful golfer. In this blog, we will explore the history, location, layout, difficulty, signature hole, longest hole, interesting story, local weather and best time to visit, clubhouse and conclusion of this golf course.
History
The Rambagh golf course was originally built in 1927 on 90 acres of reclaimed swamp land. The course was founded by a group of British businessmen who wanted to create a recreational facility for themselves and their families. The course was initially named “The New Club Ltd.” and was affiliated to the Royal Calcutta Golf Club. The course soon became popular among the elite class of Jaipur and hosted several social events and tournaments.
The course underwent several changes over the years, such as changing its name to “The Rambagh Golf Club” in 1933, acquiring more land for expansion in 1950, and renovating its clubhouse in 1970. The course also faced some challenges, such as losing some of its land to the government for public projects in 1960 and 1980, and facing financial difficulties in 1990.
The course received a major makeover in 2009, when it hired Jeev Milkha Singh, India’s most successful golfer and the first Indian to play on the European Tour, to redesign and master plan the course. The new course was inaugurated by Jeev Milkha Singh himself, along with his father Milkha Singh, the legendary Indian sprinter. The new course has improved the quality and beauty of the course and has attracted more members and visitors.
Location
The Rambagh golf course is located about 20 kilometres from the city centre of Jaipur and 15 kilometres from the Jaipur International Airport. It is situated near Ambedkar Circle, Bhawani Singh Road, Jaipur. The course offers a splendid view of the city skyline and the Aravalli hills. The course is surrounded by lush greenery and water bodies, creating a peaceful and relaxing atmosphere for golfers.
Layout
The Rambagh golf course is a par-72 course that measures 6,303 yards from the championship tees. The course features four sets of tees to suit different levels of players. The course has a unique layout that blends with the natural contours of the land and incorporates several water hazards and bunkers that provide some interesting challenges for golfers. The course has well-maintained fairways, smooth greens, and manicured roughs that enhance the beauty and quality of the course.
Difficulty
The Rambagh golf course is considered to be one of the most challenging courses in India. The course requires accuracy, distance, and strategy to score well. The elevation changes, doglegs, narrow fairways, and tricky greens make it a tough test for even the most skilled players. The course also has strong winds that can affect the ball flight and direction. The course has a slope rating of 120 and a course rating of 70.1 from the championship tees, indicating its high level of difficulty.
Signature Hole
The signature hole of the Rambagh golf course is the par-4 9th hole. This hole is also known as the “Island Fairway” because it has a fairway that is surrounded by water on all sides. The hole measures 440 yards from the championship tees and requires a precise tee shot to land on the fairway. The second shot has to clear another water hazard that guards the green. The green is also protected by bunkers on both sides. The hole offers a stunning view of the clubhouse and the lake in the background. The hole is both beautiful and challenging, making it one of the most memorable holes on the course.
Longest Hole
The longest hole on the Rambagh golf course is the par-5 18th hole. This hole measures 590 yards from the championship tees and is a straightaway that runs parallel to the lake. The hole requires three good shots to reach the green in regulation. The tee shot has to avoid water on the left and trees on the right. The second shot has to avoid bunkers on both sides of the fairway. The third shot has to land on a large green that slopes from back to front and is surrounded by water on three sides. The hole is a great finishing hole that can make or break a round.
Interesting Story
One of the most interesting stories related to the Rambagh golf course is that it was once visited by Rajmata Gayatri Devi of Jaipur, the founder and lifelong captain of the club. Rajmata Gayatri Devi was an avid golfer and a patron of the sport in India. She played a round of golf with her friends and family in 2007, when she was 88 years old. She was impressed by the quality and beauty of the course and praised it as one of the best courses she had ever played. She also interacted with some of the club staff and members and signed some autographs and memorabilia.
Local Weather and Best Time to Visit
The local weather at the Rambagh golf course is pleasant and moderate throughout the year. The average temperature ranges from 15°C to 35°C, with the lowest in December and January and the highest in April and May. The course receives rainfall from June to September, which makes the course more lush and green. The best time to visit the Rambagh golf course is from October to March, when the weather is dry and cool and the course is in its best condition.
Clubhouse
The Rambagh golf course has a clubhouse that offers a range of facilities and services for golfers and guests. The clubhouse has a pro shop that sells golf equipment and apparel, a locker room that provides showers and changing rooms, a restaurant that serves delicious food and beverages, a lounge that offers a relaxing ambience and a view of the course, and a banquet hall that can host events and functions. The clubhouse also has a golf academy that offers coaching and training for beginners and advanced players, a driving range that has 20 bays, and a practice area that has putting and chipping greens.
Conclusion
The Rambagh golf course is a royal and historic golf course in Jaipur that offers a world-class golfing experience in a serene and scenic setting. The course is well-designed, well-maintained, challenging, and beautiful, offering a variety of holes that test different aspects of the game. The course is also part of the Rambagh Golf Resort, which offers a luxurious and comfortable stay, as well as a host of activities and amenities for entertainment and recreation. The Rambagh golf course is a must-visit for any golf lover who wants to have an unforgettable golf holiday in Jaipur
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